1977 BMW 520 vs. 1973 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1977 BMW 520 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Lancia Beta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Lancia Beta would be higher. At 1,990 cc (6 cylinders), 1977 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 BMW 520 (120 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1973 Lancia Beta. (100 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1977 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1973 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 BMW 520 weights approximately 310 kg more than 1973 Lancia Beta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1977 BMW 520 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1977 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1973 Lancia Beta, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1977 BMW 520 (160 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Lancia Beta. (135 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1977 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 BMW 520 | 1973 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | BMW | Lancia |
| Model | 520 | Beta |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1990 cc | 1585 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 71.5 mm |
| Top Speed | 180 km/hour | 182 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 51 L |
